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Spätkauf
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Spätkauf or Späti (German pronunciation: [ʃpeti]) is a type of convenience shop found generally in Germany, particularly in Berlin, which is known to operate late at night.[1] Translating literally to 'late purchase', spätkauf mostly sell alcohol and tobacco but may also sell groceries or everyday items. Very popular amongst students, they are a part of Berlin's late night culture, serving alcohol at low prices and also taking advantage of Germany's relaxed drinking laws.[2] As a part of neighborhood culture, they usually feature small benches for clients to sit on while enjoying their purchase and meet with neighbors.[3]
History[]
The "Spätverkauf" was coined in the German Democratic Republic in the second half of the 20th century for workers coming home from late night shifts. The word "Spätkauf" had been used in West Berlin as of the 1980s. After the Fall of the Berlin Wall, Spätkaufs opened in the Eastern part of the city.[2]
English translations[]
Various English translations, pseudo-anglicisms and Denglisch mistranslations for the word "Spätkauf" are used: "Late Night Shop", "Late Shop", "Late Buying", "Night Shop", "Nightstore" or "All in one Shop". Frequently, Spätkaufs are labelled as Internet cafés.
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Moorton, James (9 February 2017). "The Importance Of The Spätkauf, Germany's Convenience Stores". The Culture Trip. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ a b Cotonou, Chris (1 April 2019). "Loving the Spätkauf: why you should visit one of Berlin's 24/7 cornershops on your next visit". Evening Standard. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ Katja, Hanke (September 2014). "Beer Even At 2 AM". Goethe Institute. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
External links[]
- Convenience stores
- German youth culture
- Germany stubs